The political world reels from the loss of Lee Hae-chan, South Korea’s ex-Prime Minister, who died aged 73 from cardiac arrest in Vietnam. PUAC officials broke the news, detailing the rapid decline that claimed his life in Ho Chi Minh City.
It started with flu-like symptoms before his Thursday departure. By Friday, plans were set for his return home, but at Tan Son Nhat Airport, breathing difficulties struck. En route to the hospital, a heart attack hit; another followed inside despite a stent procedure. Death was pronounced at 2:48 PM Sunday.
A powerhouse in politics, Lee won seven parliamentary terms and led as PM under Roh Moo-hyun (2004-2006). Appointed PUAC Senior Vice Chairman in October last year, he remained active in unification advocacy.
President Yoon, informed Friday night, sent top aide Cho Jung-sik Saturday to oversee care. High-level visits surged, signaling national concern for the ailing leader.
Beyond the timeline, Lee’s career embodied resilience and reform. From lawmaker battles to executive helm, he navigated turbulent times. This sudden end, amid routine travel, serves as a stark reminder of mortality’s unpredictability. South Korea honors a life of service, as funeral arrangements loom.